Worth It Season 3 Episode 1 $3 Mac 'N' Cheese Vs. $195 Mac 'N' Cheese

In the first episode of Worth It's third season, culinary experts Andrew and Steven explore the world of mac 'n' cheese - from the humble $3 version to an extravagant $195 creation. As they travel across Los Angeles, the hosts visit three different restaurants, each offering their unique twist on the classic dish.

Their first stop is for the cheapest option, a $3 mac 'n' cheese from Bludso's Bar & Que in Compton. Bludso's 'Que combines Texas-style barbecue with traditional Southern sides, and their mac 'n' cheese is no exception. The dish is made with classic elbow macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Andrew and Steven appreciate the simplicity of the dish and the bold flavors of the barbecue.

Next, the hosts head to Bäco Mercat in downtown LA for a mid-range mac 'n' cheese option costing $13. The restaurant prides itself on its "bäcos" - a flatbread sandwich featuring global ingredients and flavors. Their mac 'n' cheese is made with orecchiette pasta, manchego cheese, and a black truffle sauce, topped with bread crumbs and fried shallots. Andrew and Steven are impressed by the unique take on the dish and the depth of flavor from the truffle sauce.

Finally, the hosts visit the most expensive spot on their journey, Fundamentals Cafe in West LA, for a $195 lobster mac 'n' cheese. The dish features fresh lobster, truffle oil, and 24-karat gold flakes, all mixed with spiral-shaped pasta, a blend of five different cheeses, and topped with a crispy parmesan crust. Andrew and Steven are at first taken aback by the price tag but are ultimately impressed with the quality of ingredients and unique presentation of the dish.

Throughout the episode, Andrew and Steven provide their expert commentary on the taste and style of each dish. They consider not only the price tag but also the overall experience of eating each mac 'n' cheese and the ambiance of each restaurant. Viewers are left with a comprehensive understanding of the range of mac 'n' cheese options available in Los Angeles, from simple and affordable to extravagant and luxurious.